BMW Oracle given fright by Shosholoza

BMW Oracle were given a fright by Shosholoza as the wind returned to the America's Cup yesterday just long enough to whip up an exciting third set of races.

South Africa's Shosholoza sped off the start and pulled out a half-minute advantage over BMW Oracle, one of the favourites to win the LV knock-outs and race Alinghi for the America's Cup.

But Shosholoza lost control as they came around the second mark, dropped their spinnaker in the water and spent too many vital seconds struggling to cut ties with the huge sail.

BMW Oracle ground down the rattled team and stretched out a 47-second lead, notching up two more points and extending their winning run so far in the round robin to 3-0.

Luna Rossa beat Team Germany and sit level with BMW Oracle at the top with nine points.